And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”
Luke 10:18-20

When God created man in the Garden of Eden, He gave us authority over the earth. But as Adam and Eve sinned, they handed over their authority to the devil. Many people think that God allowed the devil into the earth. The devil is here to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), but God did not allow him in – we did. Praise God that Jesus came to earth, died, rose again, and won back the authority!

Because of Jesus’s victory on the cross, we have authority over all the power of the enemy. As a believer, you have the authority and the responsibility to contend with the devil and his plans. In Mark 16:17-18 Jesus says, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

You do not have to sit back and do nothing while the devil attacks you and your family – you can fight back! When he comes with pain and destruction, you come armed with the Word of God. And as you stand on the promises and faithfulness of God, you will see the devil lose the battle over and over again. James 4:7 says, Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. In the midst of attack, you may be tempted with fear, bitterness, or doubt. But God always provides a way out – turn to Him in hardship and you will find your strength and battle plan in the Word of God!